INTRODUCTION TO AQUA-Cal+

The product was developed initially as a means of treating pond bottoms with an alkali, magnesium hydroxide slurry, to reduce the build-up of sludge at the base of the pond. However, as we discussed the product requirements with farmers, we learnt of a more complex set of practical requirements, and we were able to steer the development of the product to meet those requirements. Our ability to do so comes from the way we make the powder that forms the slurry, to give the particle in slurry additional properties not obtainable from conventional processes.

Essentially, our particles are produced in a unique process to shape a material as “honeycomb” structure of very small cells, resulting in a product which hinders the growth of anaerobic microbial pathogens, but is not toxic to the small microorganisms that thrive in the aerobic ecosystem of aquaculture ponds, or to the prawns or to humans. So, AQUA-CAL+ is a 60% solids slurry of hydrated “honeycomb” magnesium hydroxide particles, augmented with some bio-accessible limestone to promote the growth of the prawn.

STRENGTHS OF AQUA-Cal+

AQUA-Cal+ is a special formulated high surface area Magnesium Hydroxide enhanced with Calcium designed for use in aquaculture ponds.

AQUA-Cal+ is a water conditioner and acts to improve the overall water quality while delivering a number of unique properties to protect and enhance shrimp culturing:

Reduces the water turbidity

Effectively binds the iron and other heavy metals to prevent metal toxic

Stabilizes water alkalinity

Recondition and stabilize the bottom pH

Reduces the hydrogen sulphide (H2S)

Neutralize the nitrites, phosphate and ammonia

Flocking and break down of organic matter in the system

Digests the sludge and create a clean pond bottom

BENEFITS & ADVANTAGES

By culturing prawns throughout the whole grow-out period with AQUA-Cal+, you shall experience all these benefits and advantages:

Reduce overall costs in chemicals

Produce clean and safe treated feed water to other ponds

Can reduce or avoid the need for changing water frequently

Maintain good pond color, water turbidity

Produce healthier and stronger prawns

Produces higher body biomass

Increased survival rate

No harmful residue in prawns

Observe a clear and clean pond bottom after harvesting

Reduction of FCR

SHORT-COMINGS

Must stir well before use

For best result, the pond has to be pre-treated with AQUA-Cal+ before starting standard application

TESTING RESULTS

High Iron before treatment

2 Days after treatment

No iron presence after pre-treatment with

POND CONDITIONS USING AQUA-Cal+

Stabilize alkalinity throughout the grow-out

Lock down & minimize sediment in water column

JAR TESTS USING AQUA-Cal+

AQUA-Cal+ jar test shows that sediment / organic solids has been significantly dropped to the bottom and reduced the turbidity!

Test sample on the Right was dosed with AQUA-Cal+ and has reduction of ammonia.

Table 3: Average weight of sludge (g) in different treatment after 4 month.

There was significant difference in sludge digestion after four months in AQUA-Cal+ with aeration (68.3% weight reduction) compared with control (42.8% weight reduction). However sludge digestion in non-aerated condition showed less reduction compared to control. It may be due to AQUA-Cal+ reaction efficiency in aerated condition.

Table 4: Average weight of sludge (g) for different treatment.

After four months, alkalinity for sludge treated with 100 ppm AQUA-Cal+ increased 72.92% while green vibrio disappeared in the system after four months.